We recently connected with Emily Blair and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

I started working in a regular old hair salon in 2012. Doing cuts, colors, waxing, the usual stuff. I was never interested in doing updos or Occasion hair specifically in facted I started out very insecure about my abilities in that part of my choosen career. I had the same manager at the salon I was employeed by the entirety of my time working there. Her name is kelsey. We grew to be very close and she started taking on weddings as a fun thing to do here and there. Maybe one or two a year and sometimes she would ask me to help. I was hesitant at first but after I had gotten a few weddings under my belt I really started to get the hang of it and it became one of the things I liked to do the most. Years past and my husband and I had our first child in 2019. And here I was still going to the same old salon. Feeling stagnant in my career while my home life was changing and evolving at a rapid rate. Im not one for sitting still and, feeling like I had no room to grow where I was had a huge negative impact on my outlook.
Covid happened, salons (as well as many other businesses) shut down. With that I was blessed with the oppertunity to once again be home with my baby girl. I loved being with her all day. Sure being a stay at home mom has its ups and downs but it sure beat being in the salon that was the source of much stress. We reopened some 3 or 4 months later and shortly after that we were pregnant with our second child! I busted my Butt and worked till the day he was born. Saving and knowing I could not return to the same place after maturnity leave. I was unsure how but I knew I had to come up with something while I was out. I called my old manager who had since left the salon and asked for advice on what I should do. I explaned to her I knew that even if I found a job elsewhere daycare would be a huge expence. One that I wanted to avoid if all possible. Then she said the famous words “Why dont you start a bridal Business.” The choir sang , firework bursted and I jumped for joy over an idea for my lifes career that wasn’t even mine. Now here I am, 20 to 30 weddings a year and loving every minute of it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in Andover MN and attended Andover High School. As a senior in High School I had little to no idea on what career path I would like to take. I loved Art. I took many advanced classes in sculpture and design but I felt there wasn’t much money to be made in that field and couldn’t afford schooling. So hair it was. It was cheep and there was money to be made. Atleast until I could figure out what my true calling was. Well as it so happened I never left the industry. I found that I really loved making the people that sat in my chair happy. Others joy brought me joy and so I stayed. Plus it fed my artistic needs. I do believe that the happiness that bridal / wedding hair brings me is what sets me apart from other venders. Dont get me wrong I’m sure other wedding hairstylist love their jobs and it makes them feel good as well. But I feel as though my love for this specific industy along side my dedication, and fear of failure is what sets me apart. In my opinion there is certian pride you have when you own your own business. And you would do anything to see it thrive. I continue to try and find new and affective ways to run my business and learn from the experiences it presents me.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Somthing that I believe helped me build a reputation in the market is the way I treat my clients. Open honest comunication is somthing that I thrive on. I really push the fact that if you tell me exactly what your thinking and feeling, your more likley to get the end result your looking for. I make it a point to ask questions about their preferences. I also I take pictures step by step so I remember what I did at the trial so they get that result on their big day. I do my best to be sure my bride are comfortable with me and confident I can provide quality results.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to “unlearn” the thought that it is possible to make anyone happy if you try hard enough. Somtimes people dont mesh well, or they are just flat out hard to please and thats ok. I used to beat myself up if someone wasn’t 100% satisfied. If I know I did the absolute best I could then it is what it is. you cant please everyone. But still keep your standards high for your work and be on top of your game.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blairbridal.com
• Instagram: blairbridal
• Facebook: blair bridal

Image Credits
Just Be Photography Elissa Schnell Photography Mel Photography Raih Beth photo